Direct flights from Hobart to Perth inbound this September

In a boon to the tourism industries of both destinations, Virgin Australia has announced it will run direct flights between Perth and Hobart from September this year.

Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said the service will begin on September 17, in time for the school holidays at the end of Term 3. Statistics from Tourism Tasmania show that over 50,000 people travel from Western Australia each year, while over 41,000 come to Perth from the island state. Overall figures indicate almost 55,000 travellers will be able to fly directly between Perth and Hobart.

An increase in tourism means extra economic opportunities for both states, so business cards and other promotional products should be kept up to date by professionals travelling interstate on the new route.

Virgin Australia plans for the new service to run three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Western Australia Acting Tourism Minister Bill Johnston said:

“The flights will make it easier for Tasmanians to come and explore all the things WA has to offer.”

The Australian Hotels Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia welcomed the extra opportunities for international visitors to travel to both states. With Qantas earlier this year launching its direct Perth to London route and the popularity of Tasmania among tourists from China, AHA chief executive Bradley Woods believes new tourism opportunities are being opened.